Persecution of Anatol Labedzka for expressing his opinion is an obvious acknowledgement of Lukashenka’s system decay, commented RTR Zerkalo program host Nikolai Svanidze on criminal prosecution of the UCP leader in his interview to Polish Rzeczpospolita newspaper.The Prosecutor’s General Office charged Labedzka with violation of Art 367 of the Criminal Code of Belarus (spreading deliberately false information about the President). The proceedings against the leader of United Civic Party were instigated on the basis of the analysis of his speech in the Zerkalo program on 21 February.“This is shocking news for me, -- reacted Nikolai Svanidze on the action against Labedzka, -- I know Anatol Labedzka as a brave and honest person. I don’t like the fact he is persecuted for participation in my show. Persecution of such a respected politician for expressing his opinion is an obvious proof of Lukashenka’s system decay. On behalf of the Zerkalo program and on my behalf I promise to closely watch the development of Labedzka’s case and in case of need we will stand up for him”.